NFL Schedules - Fantasy Spin

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals

For the second straight year the Cardinals will face on the top ten most difficult schedules. Some questions have been answered in the desert, like who will be under centre, as the Cardinals went out and acquired veteran QB Carson Palmer. With the arrival of new head coach Bruce Arians pass-happy attack and the presence of one of the best receivers in the game, WR Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona could surprise in 2013. For fantasy, it's nice to see their game at San Francisco taking place in Week 17.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

@STL

DET

@NO

@TB

CAR

@SF

SEA

ATL

BYE

HOU

@JAC

IND

@PHI

STL

@TEN

@SEA

SF

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers reached the Super Bowl last season and will be out to avoid the down-year that often follows for the runner up. The heart of their schedule (Week 6 to Week 12) features some very nice matchups both in real life and fantasy. RB Frank Gore will slow down eventually, but this schedule could help him produce another strong season behind one of the best offensive lines in football. After an entire off-season to scout him, it will be interesting to see if teams find a way to deal with QB Colin Kaepernick's unique skill set.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

GB

@SEA

IND

@STL

HOU

ARI

@TEN

vs.JAC*

BYE

CAR

@NO

@WSH

STL

SEA

@TB

ATL

@ARI

*Jaguars and 49ers will play at Wembley Stadium in London, England.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks have a surprisngly easy schedule for a playoff team. In an odd turn of events, Seattle will play all four teams from the AFC South from Week 3 to Week 6, with Houston being the only real dangerous matchup in the bunch. The Seahawks' offence looked dominant at times in 2012 and there is no reason to think that will change this season, even without WR Percy Harvin. QB Russell Wilson could be a fantasy steal at his current draft value, as long as the Seahawks don't rely too much on their running game.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

@CAR

SF

JAC

@HOU

@IND

TEN

@ARI

@STL

TB

@ATL

MIN

BYE

NO

@SF

NYG

ARI

STL

St. Louis Rams

The Rams showed definite signs of improvement last year and almost swept the 49ers, winning one game and tying the other. The biggest issue for Jeff Fisher and the Rams is the division they play in. They are a good young team learning to win beside two juggernauts in San Francisco and Seattle. Despite some tough games on their schedule, the Rams' offence will take a step with an upgraded offensive line and several new weapons for QB Sam Bradford. With no true lead back, the Rams' backfield may be one to avoid.